Biola Theatre: Blessed Assurance

Biola Theatre, sponsored by the Malcolm Initiative for Arts in Evangelism and Missions, presents the story of beloved hymn writer Fanny Crosby.

Frances Jane Crosby, born in 1820 in Putnam County, New York was one of the most influential figures of Nineteenth Century America. She wrote many familiar hymns such as, Blessed Assurance, Rescue the Perishing, and Safe in the Arms of Jesus. She was and likely remains the most prolific hymn writer of all time. What you may not know, is that she was blinded at just 6 weeks old, published her first poem at the age of 14, met her first president at the age of 18, mastered the harp, guitar and organ by the time she was 20, was Dean of Students at the New York Institute for the Blind by the time she was 33, published 3 books of poetry by the time she was 38 and didn't publish her first hymn until she was 44 years old. From that age until her death she wrote over 5,000 hymns and committed herself to working with the underserved in various missions, prisons and churches.

Crosby's life is one of determination, faith and fortitude. Blessed Assurance presents Fanny Crosby's remarkable life of service and her journey toward faith and the blessed assurance of hope in Christ. With just 9 actors and 42 characters, live musicians and music composed specifically for the play, Blessed Assurance follows the story of Frances Jane Crosby as she narrates key moments in her life. You know the music, now it's time to see the story of the woman behind it.